History
The Bombay sandwich emerged in the late 20th century as a Mumbai office-lunch and tea-time staple, especially around Fort, Nariman Point and Churchgate. Street vendors and cafes assemble it the same way every time: white bread, green chutney, cucumber, tomato, boiled potato slices and beetroot. The grilled version adds cheese and goes on a hot toastie press; both versions sell year-round at every street tea-stall.
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Common allergens: Gluten, Dairy
Make it at home
Ingredients
- 12 slices white sandwich bread
- 100g butter, softened
- 200g green chutney (mint, coriander, green chilli, lime)
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced thin
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced thin
- 2 medium boiled potatoes, sliced thin
- 1 medium boiled beetroot, sliced thin
- 1 small red onion, sliced thin
- 2 teaspoons chaat masala
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 100g cheese slices for grilled version
Method
- Spread one side of every bread slice with softened butter and green chutney.
- On 4 slices, layer cucumber, tomato, potato, beetroot, onion. Sprinkle with chaat masala and salt.
- Top with a second slice, repeat the layer.
- Cover with a third slice (chutney side down).
- For grilled version: lay cheese slices between layers, then press on a hot griddle 3 minutes each side until golden.
- Cut diagonally, serve with extra chutney.
Tip from the editors. The grilled cheese version (sometimes called masala toast) needs a hot press; cook till the cheese melts and the bread is crisp.
Where to eat bombay sandwich
Bombay sandwich in Mumbai
Cream Centre ★ 4.2
Cream Centre opened at Chowpatty Seaface in 1958 as a vegetarian sweets and snacks counter. The channa bhatura is the canonical dish; the hot fudge sundae.
OrderChanna bhatura with a Spanish omelette sizzler and a hot fudge sundae.
TipFamily-friendly with a high-chair stock; weekday lunches are quietest.
Sukh Sagar ★ 4.0
Sukh Sagar at Chowpatty has run a pure-veg multicuisine menu for four decades. The pav bhaji is INR 220, sandwiches and dosas around the same.
OrderPav bhaji and a sweet lassi.
TipTakeaway at the front counter is faster than table service. Cash and card both accepted.
Indigo Delicatessen ★ 4.3
Indigo Deli runs eggs benedict and an all-day brunch counter near the Gateway. Open from 11:00 daily; the bakery has fresh croissants and sourdough at 11.
OrderEggs benedict and a sticky toffee.
More cities are in research. Want bombay sandwich covered somewhere specific? Tell us where you want to eat.